Job Overview
Seasonal Head Chef (6-Month Fixed Term Contract)
£44,000 per annum | Average 45 hours per week
A Head Chef role where you can achieve a genuine work/life balance.
To support our busy wedding and events season, we are looking for an experienced, proactive and passionate Head Chef to join Old Down Country Park on a 6-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extending the role for the right candidate.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Chef or ambitious Sous Chef looking for a varied leadership role within one of the South West's leading wedding and hospitality venues.
You'll oversee food production across our wedding venue, café, events, farm shop and seasonal outdoor catering outlets, creating exceptional dishes using the very best ingredients – including produce reared and grown right here on the Estate. We are looking for a chef who is passionate about utilising all elements of the produce available to maximise sustainability, minimise waste and improve profit margins without compromising on quality.
We're looking for someone who leads by example, embraces change, is approachable and supportive, and enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues across the Estate.
Responsibilities
- Take overall responsibility for all kitchen operations across The Manor, The Barn and outdoor event catering.
- Lead, inspire and develop the kitchen brigade, working collaboratively alongside our existing chefs, including our Head Pastry Chef, to create a positive and supportive kitchen culture.
- Produce innovative, seasonal menus for weddings, the café, corporate events and other hospitality outlets that reflect the Old Down brand and meet the expectations of our diverse clientele.
- Champion the use of Estate-grown produce, including our own meat, fruit and seasonal vegetables, ensuring all elements are utilised creatively to maximise yield, reduce waste and improve gross profit.
- Develop fresh ideas to continually enhance the food offering whilst maintaining the identity and standards of the Old Down brand.
- Plan and prepare nutritious daily staff meals, recognising the importance of providing a valued benefit for the wider team.
- Ensure consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service across all outlets.
- Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, Health & Safety and Food Safety compliance.
- Train, mentor and develop junior chefs and kitchen assistants.
- Work collaboratively with all departments to successfully deliver weddings, events and day-to-day operations.
- Attend planning meetings and, where required, meet with wedding couples, corporate clients and other customers to discuss menus and event requirements.
- Be adaptable and able to respond positively to last-minute changes and operational challenges, supporting the wider team whenever required.
About You
You'll be someone who:
- Has previous experience as a Sous Chef within a comparable wedding, events or hospitality environment (Head Chef experience desirable but not essential).
- Has experience creating seasonal menus and an excellent understanding of allergens and dietary requirements.
- Is commercially aware, with experience of menu costing, stock control, yield management and waste reduction.
- Has a passion for farm-to-fork cooking and enjoys making the most of fresh, locally sourced and Estate-grown ingredients.
- Is approachable, supportive and enjoys mentoring and developing others.
- Works collaboratively and values being part of a strong kitchen brigade.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment and remains calm under pressure.
- Is organised, proactive and able to react quickly to changing priorities and operational challenges.
- Is confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook, for menu costing, rota planning, accessing function sheets, planning documents and other administrative tasks.
- Has a good understanding of food costing and can confidently produce and maintain basic spreadsheet costings.
- Has a strong understanding of Food Safety, Health & Safety and kitchen compliance.
- Takes pride in delivering outstanding food and memorable guest experiences.
What We Offer
- 6-month fixed-term contract, with the opportunity to discuss extending the contract for the right candidate.
- £44,000 per annum.
- An average working week of 45 hours.
- A genuine opportunity to achieve a healthy work/life balance.
- The opportunity to shape and develop menus across multiple outlets.
- The chance to work with fresh produce grown and reared on the Estate.
- A varied leadership role with opportunities to work directly with wedding couples and corporate clients.
- A supportive management team and the opportunity to make a real impact on the future of the food offering.
Outside of weddings and major events, the Park closes at 4.00pm during the winter and 5.00pm during the summer, helping to create a more sustainable working pattern than many comparable hospitality roles.
If you're passionate about exceptional food, innovative menu development, leading a talented kitchen brigade and making the most of outstanding Estate produce, we'd love to hear from you.
Take a look at our website to get a feel for what Old Down Estate has to offer and apply today.
Pay: From £44,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
